Bronx Tours — Local services in New York

I really recommend Alexandra's South Bronx Historical walking tour (and Insider's Guided Tour of South Bronx) because it's very personable and insightful, not at all touristy/commercial and she is a local who is very passionate and dedicated to preserve the historical aspects of her home, the Bronx. She was very nice and generous from the start, when I first made contact and she replied to my emails promptly & with helpful details that helped us organise our trip to NY (while other tour operators replied after many days and/or didn't seem to have read my questions). What makes her tour different is the fact that she is a local who grew up in the Bronx. She knows the Bronx intimately as she has spent virtually all her life there. She knows everyone and the locals respect her tours and what she does. For this reason, it is very safe. She told us histodical facts and then gave examples through personal childhood stories and real life stories of her family and neighbours. She provided insights to the Bronx’ history, its culture and various waves of immigrants moving there as well as the current issues that it faces, including being on the brink of gentrification. We live in Dublin and it was our first time in NYC. We wanted to see as much as possible but also see the REAL thing; not just the lights of Times Square and the Rockefeller Centre but also get a feeling for the people, the history, the reality of everyday life. That's why we included walking tours of areas like Harlem and the Bronx. We also wanted to understand WHY these areas became so infamous, as surely there were socio-economic and historical reasons. We learned how political and administrative decisions made by the City of NY on the distribution of resources have impacted (and still do) on the Bronx. Alexandra was able to answer all our questions and cast a light. For this reason we liked the tour and we were happy to support the local businesses by recommending the tour and by having lunch in the Bronx at the end of the tour (nice food and our cheapest bill of the...

Taking the Insider‘s Guide to the South Bronx tour with Alexandra was an incredibly enriching experience. What sets Alexandra apart is not just her deep knowledge of the borough’s history and culture, but the heartfelt passion with which she shares it.

Throughout the tour, we explored topics that went far beyond what most tours offer. We learned about the development of rental units in Mott Haven, including the rise of luxury buildings that face ongoing challenges with high vacancy rates. Alexandra also shed light on environmental justice issues, such as the severe air pollution caused by heavy truck traffic in the South Bronx—an ongoing problem that continues to contribute to chronic health conditions among local residents.

Thanks to Alexandra, we came away with a much deeper understanding of both the systemic challenges and the grassroots strength that define this area. For example, we learnt about South Bronx United, a coalition of South Bronx residents, organizations, and allies working together to improve the health and well-being of the community.

What truly stood out was learning about Alexandra’s dedication to empowering the young generation of the Bronx. Through her work, she is actively creating opportunities and fostering pride in a place that deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

I’ve joined several other tours in New York City, but Alexandra’s tour was by far my favorite. We ended the tour at a local restaurant, where we enjoyed absolutely delicious food.

This tour isn’t just informative—it’s personal, inspiring, and eye-opening. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or a first-time visitor, Alexandra offers a rare opportunity to connect with the Bronx in a meaningful and memorable way. Highly...

This is an exceptional and unique tour. Warmly greeted by our tour guide, Alexandra, we made our way through the Grand Concourse area of the Bronx and stopped at key landmarks, the history and present circumstances of which Alexandra explained in a clear and engaging way. Born and bred in the Bronx, she flavoured the whole experience with anecdotes and insights only someone deeply attached to an area can do. A gifted storyteller, Alexandra wove together the cultural, economic, social and architectural history of the area, underpinned by facts and figures, to explain the past and present in a way which was as fascinating as it was impressive. This tour is a must for anyone who enjoys exploring off the beaten track or who has an interest in the challenges communities sometimes have to deal with. Very highly recommended. Thank you so...